What the Dalai Lama Taught Me About Responsibility, Kindness, and Connection
In honor of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday on July 5, 2025, here’s a reflection on his timeless message of compassion, responsibility, and spiritual practice from Ethics for the New Millennium—including favorite quotes and lessons from seeing him in person in Birmingham, AL.
A Personal Connection with a Global Leader
On July 6, 2025, the Dalai Lama will celebrate his 90th birthday.
Eleven years ago in 2014, I had the unforgettable experience of seeing him in person in Birmingham, Alabama. He made such a lasting impression on me—not just as a spiritual leader, but as a profoundly humble human being. He was attentive, joyful, and quite playful.
[See “5 things I Learned from the Dalai Lama” here.]
Although he is a Buddhist and I am not, his teachings and example resonate deeply with me. He doesn’t try to convert us to Buddhism; he just wants us to live more kindly and responsibly among each other—universal values that are important to all human beings.
His Message: We Are All Responsible for Each Other
“So while as Dalai Lama I have a special responsibility to Tibetans, and as a monk I have a special responsibility toward further interreligious harmony, as a human being I have a much larger responsibility toward the whole human family—which indeed we all have.”
These words were published over 24 years ago in the Dalai Lama’s book, Ethics for the New Millennium. But the issues are as relevant as ever.
In this era when division seems to dominate, the Dalai Lama’s vision of shared humanity offers a path toward healing—through compassion, humility, and personal responsibility.
The Call: What Will I Do?
The Dalai Lama doesn’t preach perfection or supernatural wisdom. In fact, he speaks plainly about his limitations:
“But I am only an ordinary human being. The best I can do is try to help them by sharing in their suffering.”
That honesty clears the way for each of us to ask:
- How much responsibility am I willing to take for the suffering in the world?
- What kind of commitment am I ready to make to act with compassion?
- How far am I willing to be inconvenienced?
Even small steps matter. The Dalai Lama’s appeal is simple but profound:
“Do what you can, and do it with kindness.”
Practicing Kindness, One Step at a Time
Spiritual practice, according to the Dalai Lama, isn’t about ritual. It’s about how we live and how we treat each other:
“It consists in nothing more than acting out of concern for others.”
Here are some practical ways to live this out:
- Think less about your own worries and more about someone else’s well-being
- Be patient even when anxious
- Serve others with humility, regardless of your job or status
- Resist judging people by appearance or situation
- Practice daily kindness—sincerely and consistently
Easier said than done, I know. But even setting an intention to live more aligned with our values is a step in the right direction.
Quotes to Keep Close
Here are a few more quotes from Ethics for the New Millennium that I am returning to on the eve of the Dalai Lama’s birthday:
“Cowardice arises when we lose all confidence as a result of fear. Patient forbearance means that we remain firm even if we are afraid.”
“It is far more useful to be aware of a single shortcoming in ourselves than it is to be aware of a thousand in somebody else.”
“All human endeavor is potentially great and noble… so long as we carry out our work with good motivation.”
“Try not even to think of yourself as better than the humblest beggar. You will look the same in your grave.”
Final Thoughts
The Dalai Lama’s teachings aren’t just for monks or mystics. They’re for all of us who want to live meaningful lives in the midst of everyday messiness. His 90th birthday is a reminder that while he may be aging, his message of compassionate responsibility continues to be timeless.
“Treat everyone as if they were a close friend… I speak as a human being: one who, like yourself, wishes to be happy and not to suffer.”
So to the Dalai Lama I say, “Happy 90th Birthday, my friend! Thank you for your gifts of wisdom to the world.”
What do you know about the Dalai Lama? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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“Do what you can and do it with kindness.”
What a simple, yet profound, statement, Lisa, and one I will remember. Happy Birthday to the Dalai Lama and to our great nation. Blessings!
I find that sometimes those simple statements are the most profound…and sometimes the hardest to do too. 🙂
so inspirational especially in the time of chaos and frustration when many of us feel powerless. Be kind. Treat others as a close friend. do what we can right where we are. This give me hope. Thanks Lisa.
His words give me hope too, Jean. I have to remember when I feel frustrated at my lack of options, that I do still have control over how much kindness I show in my everyday things. It doesn’t feel like a lot when we give kindness, but when we’re the ones receiving it, it can mean the world.
Practicing kindness one step at a time is something that we can all do. Thank you for this very inspiring post!
Exactly – showing kindness is always the best option when we can practice it. Thanks, Donna.